GOT Turns Down DVC Proposal; Suggests a TIFA

UNCLAS ANKARA 002879

SIPDIS


STATE FOR E, EB/TPP/MTA/IPC - SWILSON/JURBAN AND EUR/SE
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USDOC FOR ITA/MAC/DDEFALCO
DEPT PASS LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
DEPT PASS USPTO FOR ELAINE WU


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON PREL ETRD KIPR TU
SUBJECT: GOT Turns Down DVC Proposal; Suggests a TIFA
Meeting Instead



1. On May 20, the Embassy received a response to our
diplomatic note proposing a digital video conference
(DVC) between U.S. and Turkish experts on intellectual
property issues. Following the December 2003 Economic
Partnership Commission meeting, the USG and GOT had
agreed to expert-level meetings on this subject, but we
proposed a DVC when it became apparent that relevant
staff could not travel to Turkey. The dipnote response
suggests instead that a Trade and Investment Framework
Agreement (TIFA) meeting during the fall. Embassy
endorses the concept of holding a TIFA, perhaps in
conjunction with the next meeting of the EPC, and
requests Department guidance on a response to the Turks
on this. We note that MFA U/S Ziyal may raise this with
U/S Larson in the EPC followup telephone call scheduled
for May 24.



2. Begin Text Diplomatic Note 2004/CEGY/187022


The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Turkey presents its compliments to the Embassy of the
United States of America and acknowledging the receipt
of the Latter's Note No: 455 dated 8 April 2003, has the
honor to communicate the following:


Regarding the discussion of areas concerning the
implementation of the TRIPS Agreement in the context of
2003 Economic Partnership Commission, the proposal of
the Embassy to organize this discussion by means of a
digital video conference on the premises of the Embassy,
is considered to be inconvenient for the relevant
Turkish authorities. Taking into account the
difficulties concerning the traveling arrangements of
relevant U.S. Government personnel to Turkey as stated
in the Embassy's note, the Ministry proposes that this
discussion take place during the Trade and Investment
Framework Agreement (TIFA) meeting which may be convened
in September or October 2004.


The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Turkey avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the
Embassy of the United States of America the assurances
of its highest consideration.


Ankara, 17 May 2004.
Edelman